Child & Teen Counselling
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What is child & teen counselling, and when is a good time to reach out?
Child & teen counselling is therapy designed specifically for young people, using age-appropriate tools and approaches. From play and creative expression for younger children to conversation- and skills-based therapy for teens, to help them understand and manage what they’re going through.
Children and teens experience stress, anxiety, anger, sadness, and big life changes just as adults do, but they often don’t yet have the words or coping skills to express or manage these feelings on their own. This can show up as changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, friendships, or school performance. It becomes especially important to seek support when these changes are persistent, intense, or interfering with your child’s daily life, relationships, and ability to cope.
At Brock Counselling, our therapists create a warm, safe space where children and teens feel comfortable being themselves. We tailor our approach to each young person’s age, personality, and needs, and keep parents informed and involved throughout the process.
Who It’s For
Common reasons children & teens seek counselling
Every young person is different, but these are some of the common reasons families reach out.
Common Concerns
- Anxiety, worry, or school-related stress
- low mood or lack of motivation
- Behavioural changes or emotional outbursts
- major life transitions (divorce/separation, moving, a new sibling, going to high school or university)
- Social struggles, friendships challenges, or peer conflict
Signs Counselling Could Help
- Sudden changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
- Increased irritability, tantrums, or difficulty regulating emotions
- Struggling to talk about what's bothering them
- Declining school performance or motivation
How we support your child
Our therapists use evidence-based, developmentally appropriate approaches. Therapy is tailored to each child or teen’s age, personality, and needs.
No two young people are the same, and neither is their therapy.

Understand Your Child
Therapy begins by getting to know your child, their world, and what's going on for them, looking at their emotional, behavioural, and social patterns so we address the root of the concern.

Build Practical Tools
Together we help your child develop coping strategies and skills suited to their age and developmental stage. These techniques are drawn from evidence-based therapies including play therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, and other modalities.

Collaborate with Parents
Parents play an essential role in therapy. Their active involvement helps children and teens apply coping and emotional regulation skills beyond the therapy room, giving them an important opportunity to practice skills in everyday life. Parents are also invited to participate in individual parenting support sessions to learn the skills needed to help when their child is in crisis.
Treatment Approaches
How we work with children & teens
Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based modalities, selecting and blending approaches based on your child’s age, stage and needs.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Helps children and teens identify and reshape unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns, adapted to their developmental level.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Teaches teens emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills.
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Equips parents with tools to support their child's emotional regulation and recovery.
Play Therapy
Uses play as a child's natural language to help them process emotions and experiences they can't yet put into words.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Builds on your child's existing strengths to create meaningful, achievable change.
Sessions are offered in-person, virtually, or by phone, depending on age and fit.
What to expect when you reach out
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You’re right – it is! Here’s how the process works at Brock Counselling, so you know exactly what to expect.
1
Brief Consultation
We start with an initial 15-minute phone consultation with a parent or caregiver to discuss your child's needs and explore fit with a therapist.
2
Your First Session
Your child's therapist will spend time building comfort and rapport, getting to know your child and their goals, in a way suited to their age. If your child is most comfortable with you in the room, parents are welcome to attend the first session.
3
Ongoing Support
You and your child's therapist will agree on a session frequency and plan, with regular check-ins to keep you informed and involved as your child learns new strategies.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing to reach out is the hardest part. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit — no pressure, no commitment.
Ready When You Are
Book a Free Phone Consultation
Book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. During this call, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and explore how our tailored approach can support your healing journey.
FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
There are many ways to book an appointment:
NEW CLIENTS: If you are a NEW client to Brock Counselling, please follow this link to send us a message: Contact Brock Counselling for Support and Therapy Services.
You can also book directly by e-mailing info@brockcounselling.ca or calling us at 905-320-2342.
EXISTING CLIENTS: If you are a CURRENT client, please use the Owl Portal link on the top right-hand side of the page. This will take you to the online booking platform: OWL, where you can book an appointment.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your therapist directly to book an appointment or contact info@brockcounselling.ca.
Therapy may be a good fit if:
- You have a problem that is interfering with your daily life;
- You have unresolved negative feelings that are affecting your work, home tasks, parenting, or relationships;
- Your family doctor recommended that you speak with a social worker or psychotherapist;
- You have been diagnosed with a mental health condition;
- Your coping strategies are harmful to your health and well-being (drinking alcohol in excess, using drugs, disordered eating, isolation, ‘doom scrolling’); OR
- You are looking for impartial feedback about your life and life choices.
People begin therapy for many different reasons. You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out for support.
Therapy welcomes all individuals and requires no prior experience.
You do not need to bring or prepare anything for your first appointment – other than a willingness to participate and engage in the therapy process.
Your therapist will guide and support you through the first appointment. At the end of this appointment, your therapist will help you with setting goals and discussing what your hopes are for your therapy journey.
The primary differences between an RSW (Registered Social Worker) and a Psychologist are their education and the services they provide.
RSWs hold a Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work. This allows them to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.
Psychologists hold of Doctor of Psychology. While they can provide psychotherapy, most psychologists exclusively provide mental health assessments (i.e., Psychoeducational assessments, ADHD assessments, autism assessments).
It is best to speak directly with the professional about what services they provide.
Yes! Evening appointments are offered most nights of the week.
Weekend appointments are offered on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Yes. What you share is confidential and your privacy is prioritized.
The information you share during a therapy session is protected by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), ensuring a safe and trusting therapeutic relationships between you and your therapist.
If you chose to share information with your spouse, family, employer, or other individual, you would sign a written consent. You have the right to revoke this written consent at any time.
Short answer, no.
Services are not offered outside of Ontario.
Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists are governed by separate regulatory bodies.
The Ontario College of Social Workers restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
The College of Registered Psychotherapists also restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
Absolutely!
In fact, fit is very important as it reflects the compatibility between you and your therapist.
Research consistently supports that the relationship between a client and therapist is the single most predictor in therapy success – as opposed to treatment type used, number of sessions, and diagnosis.
It may be a good fit if:
- You feel comfortable opening up, especially about the hard or embarrassing stuff;
- You feel heard, understood, and respected;
- You feel comfortable with your therapist challenging you in healthy ways;
- You genuinely want to attend sessions, even when what you’re talking about is difficult.
Yes, some insurance companies allow for direct billing. Please reach out to the practice directly at info@brockcounselling.ca to inquire if your insurance company is on the list of approvals.
Contact
Get In Touch
We are here to answer your questions and help you begin your healing journey. Contact us via phone, email, or visit our office to get started.
Address
3344 Mainway, Burlington, ON, L7M 1A7
Phone/Text
905-320-2342
info@brockcounselling.ca